National Forest for Wales Project Officer

Introduction

Lake Vyrnwy is one of Wales’s most iconic upland landscapes, combining internationally important wildlife, working land, and a much-loved visitor destination. The estate is owned and managed by water company, Hafren Dyfrdwy, which works with partners including the RSPB to deliver for nature, climate and people.

This role relates to a project supported by The National Forest for Wales (NFfW) scheme, funded by Welsh Government and managed and distributed by WCVA. Hafren Dyfrdwy and RSPB are working with the Powys Local Nature Partnership to deliver a project at Lake Vyrnwy which includes tree and hedge planting, improved tree nursery capacity, enhanced visitor access and interpretation, and community and volunteer engagement.

What’s the role about?

We are looking for a motivated and practical Project Officer to help deliver the Lake Vyrnwy National Forest for Wales scheme over a 12-month period.

The postholder will take a lead role in delivering tree and hedge planting across the estate, supporting improvements to the Lake Vyrnwy tree nursery, and coordinating contractors and volunteers to ensure work is completed safely, on time and to a high standard. The role will also support associated activities including rhododendron removal, creation of a new path, installation of new interpretation, and delivery of engagement and volunteering opportunities linked to the project.

Working closely with the Project Manager, reserve staff, partners and local communities, the Project Officer will be responsible for day-to-day project delivery, monitoring progress, managing risks, and contributing to reporting and communications. The role combines strong project management with practical land-based delivery and offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the wider nature recovery ambitions for Lake Vyrnwy.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Proven experience of delivering projects to agreed objectives, timescales and budgets
• Practical experience of coordinating on-the-ground works, including working with contractors, partners and/or volunteers
• Ability to develop and implement work plans and prioritise tasks effectively
• Strong organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work positively with a wide range of people including colleagues, contractors, volunteers and the public
• Experience of producing clear written updates or reports
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in an outdoor or land-management setting
• Competent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to work independently, including lone working in a remote and rural environment
• A full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel as required (or ability to access remote locations without public transport)

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of tree and hedge planting projects, including specification, supervision and aftercare
• Experience of horticultural or tree nursery management or development, including propagation, maintenance or volunteer involvement
• Knowledge of woodland and upland ecology, management and conservation
• Experience of managing or supporting volunteers and community engagement activities
• Experience of path construction, visitor infrastructure or interpretation projects
• Familiarity with working on designated sites and within environmental consents
• Relevant practical qualifications (e.g. chainsaw, brushcutter)

This role involves outdoor working in all weathers, occasional weekend or evening work, and close collaboration with volunteers. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to nature recovery in one of Wales’s most special landscapes, as part of a supportive and committed team.

This is a 12 month Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing the 16th March. For further information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.